1831 Leopold was chosen as first King of Belgium. For political and dynastic reasons, Leopold married in 1832 Louise Marie of Orléans (1812-1850). Louise Marie admired and loved her elder husband, but Leopold had never forgotten his first wife. In fact, in 1828 he had had an affair with a young actress, who looked exactly like Crown Princess Charlotte. Nevertheless, Leopold "did his duty" and Louise Marie gave birth to three sons and a daughter. She gave her daughter the name "Charlotte" in honour of her husband's first wife.
Duke of Kendall 1816
King of the Belgians, June 26th, 1831 (inaugurated:
Royal Palace, Brussels, July 21st, 1831)
Major-General of the Cavalry of Russia 1807,
Fieldmarshal of the British Army 1816